Resetting the Body Clock – Circadian Rhythms

In a process known as phosphorylation phosphorus connects with a protein in the brain to reset our inner clocks. Triggered by light, this process synthesizes the proteins and resets our “clock” to adjust to our daily environmental cycles. Scientist mutated the protein in mice, gave them running wheels, and altered their light cycles. The mutated mice were unable to adjust to the environmental alterations. Disturbing our circadian rhythms can have serious consequences – we have all had jet lag – so while these findings on how to reset the clock will help the weary traveler, they can also aid in other neuropsychiatric conditions like depression or autism.